OT, but also any one specific electron is pretty slow poke. An instructor once explained that while the electron current flow through a conductor is near or at the speed of light, a specific given electron may take years to travel from one end of a 12" wire to the other. Not sure about the year part (I'm old now!), but it was of a duration that made my jaw drop as I slowly got an appreciation of how many damn electrons are in a 12" 22 gauge piece of copper wire.

Thanks. I know I've read something about only writing some many times to the EEPROM, and there's no moving parts in there is there? I'm sure there's a big difference so how.

Well yes, it was a glib statement - most electronic devices only have electrons moving.

An EEPROM involves programming with high voltage gradients to force (well, quantum-tunnel) electrons through an oxide insulator -this stresses the insulating layer and leaves electrons trapped in flaws in the oxide, these build up and eventually causemis-behaviour of memory cells - so technically the electrons don't wear out but the flaws in the insulator allow degradationof the device in this manner.

Electronic devices also age (the material isn't stable long-term), suffer from thermal cycling (causes mechanical stresses),and various effects, but in general should stay reliable if kept below "absolute maximum ratings".

My colleagues and I once tested a microprocessor controlled device. We used softwate loops to test every system there were. One of the parts/systems was a flashrom to store some settings. We left the loop running and went to have a coffee break. After the break the chip was broken. It took some time before we understood what was wrong.

More info about flash roms and why they break.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EEPROM